A new NHL expansion team could be approved in the coming weeks

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Finnegan Frost
September 19, 2024 (9:33)

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The NHL is currently the most rapidly expanding sports league in the world, and commissioner Gary Bettman has no plans on stopping anytime soon.

According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, Two ownership groups are looking to bring back the Atlanta Thrashers, and both groups have the funding and the plans to build a successful NHL arena. Before either group will commit to construction, they need the commitment from Gary Bettman that the NHL will be returning to Atlanta. Scott Burnside of Sportsnet is reporting the NHL could make the decision on returning to Atlanta on October 1st's Board of Governors meeting.

When the NHL decides to approve another expansion team, there's a number of reasons why a return to the Atlanta Thrashers is the best first option. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly recently said the NHL would prefer expansion in the USA.

Atlanta already has an existing fanbase to draw on, and most importantly, they're the only current city with ownership willing to build an arena tailor-made for hockey - not retrofitting a building like Utah or Arizona did.

»As current two NHL owners told me this past week, the NHL is eventually going to 36. How soon after they welcome 34 is uncertain, but as I've suspected all along, I think the timeframe is around 2030.»
- David Pagnotta

TSN insider David Pagnotta recently reported that the NHL plans to add 4 new teams by 2030, and its looking like the Atlanta thrashes have emerged as the top contender.

The second runner up for a team is the city of Houston, with the idea of growing the game of hockey in the massive market of Texas. But what about Quebec City who have recently built a brand new arena?

While Atlanta and Houston's prospects seem bright, Quebec City's hopes of reclaiming the Nordiques appear increasingly bleak. Despite the city's rich hockey heritage and vocal fan base, the NHL's current priorities lie elsewhere. The league's emphasis on U.S. expansion suggests that Quebec City's aspirations will remain on hold for the foreseeable future.

Source: Oilers Daily
Gary Bettman may approve next NHL expansion franchise in upcoming meeting